A team of researchers at Plymouth University has found that the game Tetris can help you to lose weight. How does it do this? By reducing food cravings.

Every dieter out there knows how hard it can be to do anything when your entire body is engaged in unhealthy-food cravings. All of your willpower and determination to lose weight can fly out the window the minute your body tells you, "I want some of THAT!"

But Tetris could be the latest shield against food cravings. The Plymouth University study found that just three minutes of Tetris gameplay can reduce your cravings, as well as discourage you from both drinking alcohol and smoking.

How is this possible?

According to the research team, Tetris prevents cravings by replacing your addiction or desire with a distraction. Most craving episodes last for just a few minutes, during which time you can see what you want and how it will make you feel better. However, if you distract your mind during those few minutes, you will no longer feel the craving as strongly.

Those playing Tetris discovered that their cravings were up to 24 percent weaker than those that just watched a screen loading the game. Essentially, doing something with your hands and mind can take your thoughts away from the food you're longing to eat.Other Great Video Games for Weight Loss

Pretty much any video game will work to distract you from thoughts of food, alcohol and tobacco, which is one reason that you should consider gaming if you suffer from addictive behavior.

However, let's take it one step further, and look at games that won't just distract you, but will help you to lose weight as well. That's right, I'm talking about games on the Wii, Xbox and Playstation.

Thanks to the invention of motion capture technology, video gaming has been taken to a whole new level. The Nintendo Wii was the first console to use the technology, with the Xbox creating the Kinect and the Playstation creating the Move.

Now, there are hundreds of video games you can play that will get you moving while distracting you from thoughts of cravings. Games like Wii Sports have you moving in time to games of tennis, boxing, fencing and other active sports. And games like Red Dead Steel 2 force you to swing weapons in order to win the game.

These games can be the perfect combination of fun and activity, and they can help you to lose weight. No, they're not a replacement for a good workout at the gym, but they're a fun addition to your routine.

Here are a few of the best games to help you burn calories while having fun:

Wii Sports

Red Dead Steel 2

Just Dance

Wii Fit

UFC Trainer

EA Sports Active

The Future of Gaming and Weight Loss?

What if there was a way to put yourself in the video game? Virtual simulations may still be a ways off, but the Oculus Rift makes it more of a possibility. If only there was a way to combine the perpetual motion of a treadmill with the immersive gaming of the Oculus Rift and the motion capture of the Wii. You may soon be able to literally walk, run and fight your way through the worlds you now see only on your computer or TV screen!

Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is
not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had
to work for it. His trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, an
NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise,
diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise--he does so six days a
week--and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.